CHIEF of the Namibian Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Martin Shalli has been suspended with immediate effect to allow for an investigation into allegations of receiving kickbacks from a Chinese arms manufacturer, Informanté has learnt.

In a statement yesterday, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Dr Albert Kawana said during Shalli’s suspension, Major General Peter Nambundunga will, on the recommendation of the Security Commission, act as the NDF chief.
Although Dr Kawana said President Hifikepunye Pohamba had suspended Shalli because of “serious allegations of irregularities which must be thoroughly investigated within the letter and spirit of the laws of our Republic”, Informanté has learnt that it is about alleged kickbacks from a Chinese arms dealer.
Well-placed sources told Informanté that Namibia Central Intelligence Services (NCIS) agents have been tracing payments made into Shalli’s local and Zambian based bank accounts.
The two deposits of N$500,000 and a N$100,000 made into his accounts respectively late last year allegedly triggered an investigation by the intelligence agents who then reported the suspicious instalments to the President.
Prosecutor General, Martha Imalwa, last week flew to China to investigate the nature of the payments.
Informanté, however, established that the suspicious payment of N$500,000 was paid into Shalli’s account by a Chinese business outfit after he agreed to lease out his private home in Suiderhoff for 10 years.
Informanté reliably learnt that the other N$100,000 was paid into Shalli’s account after he had introduced a Chinese business outfit to a marble mining concession holder.
Shalli confirmed his suspension “with immediate effect,” adding that it was related to payments made into his bank account for renting out his house.
He denied receiving commission from any Chinese businessman and declined to comment further.
“The case is being investigated and I don’t want to interfere with the investigations,” he said before referring the reporter to the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Personnel.
Shalli rose from being the Director of Policy and Operations in the Ministry of Defence to Army Commander before he was appointed Chief of the Namibian Defence Force.
The elevation to Chief of the NDF was made in 2006 while he was Namibia’s High Commissioner to Zambia from 2004-2006.
In 2004, he received the highest award - Grand Commander of the Order of Namibia Eagle First Class for “Gallantry and Heroism” for his role in the liberation struggle of the country.